I’ve been living a keto lifestyle since 2017, and one of the questions I get asked all the time is:

“How do you restrict yourself and cut out food groups?”

With all the mixed information floating around—fad diets, trendy hacks, and new studies every other week—I understand why people are confused. So today, I want to share my experience in hopes of making the keto lifestyle easier to understand and relate to.

First of all: It’s not about restriction.

Unless you're brand new to keto—or constantly telling yourself you're being deprived—this lifestyle doesn’t feel restrictive. It’s not about cutting out food just for the sake of it. It’s about choosing what fuels your body best and makes you feel your best.

Here’s what living a long-term, sustainable keto lifestyle actually looks like for many of us:

We don’t feel restricted.

We’re not walking around craving or missing out on things. Once your body adjusts, your preferences shift.

We’re not afraid of carbs or sugar.

We’re aware of their effects and choose when or if to include them. Fear isn’t part of the equation—empowerment is.

We do occasionally eat foods that aren’t keto.

Life happens—vacations, birthdays, holidays. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency and intention.

We choose keto because we love how we feel.

Increased energy, better focus, reduced inflammation, better digestion—the benefits are real and deeply personal.

We’ve seen changes beyond weight loss.

Keto has helped improve skin, mood, sleep, and even reduce symptoms of certain health conditions.

Many of us have food intolerances or allergies.

For some, avoiding certain foods isn’t about keto—it’s about preventing pain, discomfort, or flare-ups.

Some of us manage health conditions through diet.

From insulin resistance to PCOS, migraines, or autoimmune disorders, keto is more than a choice—it’s a tool.

Many of us aren’t high-performance athletes.

We don’t train 6 days a week or burn thousands of calories. That means what we eat matters even more for our everyday energy and wellbeing.

A note on information overload

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the content out there—people shouting from the rooftops about what's “working”—take a breath. Here's a truth I’ve come to realize:

If something is truly working, you don’t need to constantly prove it.

You simply live it. You enjoy the benefits. You embody the results.

If a product, diet, or idea needs excessive marketing, testimonials, or hype just to convince you it works... pause. Ask yourself: why does it need so much noise?

In most cases, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Final thoughts: eat food that loves you back

Life is short. Eat food that nourishes you and brings you joy.

Live in a way that supports your body, your mind, and your happiness.

If you’re enjoying what you eat and how you feel, you’re not restricted—you’re thriving.

"No one-size-fits-all when it comes to diets — but keto has been a game-changer for many of us"